It seems Sony BMG has decided to abandon DRM. EMI did the same thing about 8
weeks ago. Several companies have withdrawn from the RIAA recently as well.
Multiple DRM free download sites now exist legally.
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jan2008/tc2008013_398775.htm
What we are seeing is the natural consequence of companies attempting to
infringe on the right of the consumer to take their media anywhere they
want, when they want, without having to pay again for what they already own.
The RIAA and MPAA can litigate, and governments can legislate, but in the
end market pressures rule the day.
When the transfer and use of TV shows, movies and other video based media
reaches the ubiquitous level that music has today, the restrictions there
will collapse as well. As the cable companies lose their monopoly positions
to pressure from phone companies and satellite, competition will force them
to give up things such as the CCI bit and 5C. When the days come that
everyone is carrying their favorite shows and movies with them on devices
like the video iPod, people wont tolerate restrictions there either. The
combination of consumer pressure and competition will destroy the MPAA, CCI
and 5C.
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